Should I buy a local SIM card or use an international roaming plan?

Quick Answer

For trips longer than a couple of days, getting a local SIM card or an eSIM is almost always significantly cheaper and provides faster data speeds than using your home carrier’s international roaming plan.

Table of Contents

This is the most convenient option as you keep your number, but it’s very expensive. Daily passes can cost $10-$15 per day.

Local SIM Card: This is the cheapest option. You buy a SIM card at the airport or a local store and get a local number with a generous data package. Your phone must be “unlocked” for this to work.

eSIM: This is the modern solution. It’s a digital SIM you can buy online before you travel and activate upon arrival. It’s convenient and cost-effective, offering a great balance between the other two options.